KEETCH GOES "RED FOR HEART" THIS FEBRUARY

11.23.24am GMT Fri 29th Jan 2010

February is National Heart Month and Paul Keetch, Hereford's MP, together with The British Heart Foundation (BHF) are asking the people of Hereford to join National Wear Red Day on Friday 26th February 2010 and to follow the BEAT health code.

Commenting, Paul Keetch said, "By wearing red, for a suggested donation of £1, you will help the BHF save lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. You can also take simple steps to improve you and your family's heart health by following the BEAT health code."

Be active - Regular physical exercise can help keep your heart healthy. You don't need to don Lycra or run a marathon - walking, swimming and taking the stairs all count - just aim to do at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week. If you would like to build up to doing an event such as a walk, cycle ride, run or swim go to bhf.org.uk/events to find an event near you.

Eat healthily - Eating healthily helps reduce your risk of heart disease. We're all allowed a little of what we fancy, but try to cut down on saturated fats, salt and alcohol. For top marks, eat five portions of fruit and veg a day, oily fish once a week and go for the wholegrain options.

Avoid smoking - Smoking can damage the heart and double your risk of having a heart attack. Stopping smoking is the single biggest step you can take to live longer.

Take the lifestyle check - There are other factors that affect your heart health, like weight and body shape. Find out how you measure up - by truthfully answering the quick step by step questions. A report will be generated and advice given to you on how to improve your risk areas. The report can also be printed off, should you want to discuss your assessment with your doctor. Take the free online lifestyle check from January 2010 at bhf.org.uk.

The MP will be wearing the Red for Heart pin badge at Prime Minister's Question time on 26 February 2010 and says, "As a heart patient myself I fully support the work of the BHF and will be proud to be seen wearing red this February as part of the campaign."

For more information on National Wear Red Day and the BEAT health code - visit bhf.org.uk or call 0845 2410976.

ENDS